Enhancing Vision Care Integration (PDF).
Persaud DD, Jriege S, LeBlanc RP, Enhancing vision care integration: 1. Development of practice algorithms. Can J Ophthalmol 2004;39:219-24.
Background:
Appropriate
access
to
the
best
quality
of vision
care
is
enhanced
when
patients
receive
eye care
services
from
the
right
professional,
at
the
right
time,
and
in
the
right
place.
This
paper,
the
first
in
a two-part
series,
describes
the
develop-
ment
of
an
integrated
framework
for vision
care
delivery.
Specifically,
two
patient-
centred
vision
care
algorithms
for
the
multidisciplinary
management
of
diabetic
retinopathy
and
the
red eye are outlined,
and
the
process
that
resulted
in
their
development
is
described.
Methods:
The
method
used
relies
on a description
of a multidisciplinary
collabora-
tion
that
occurred
among
ophthalmologists,
optometrists,
general
practitioners
and
representatives
of
the
Nova
Scotia
Department
of Health
with
the
aim
of devel-
oping
an
integrated
patient-focused
multidisciplinary
framework
for vision
care
delivery.
Results:
The
process
of collaborative
negotiation
among
the
four
groups
resulted
in
the
development
of multidisciplinary
algorithms
for
the
screening
of
patients
with
diabetes
mellitus
and
the
treatment
of
those
presenting
with
a red eye.
Interpretation:
Professional
scope
of
practice
has always
been
a conten-
tious
issue
among
health
care
professions.
However,
where
parties
agree
to
work
within
an
atmosphere
of
respect
and
to
accept
guidance
in
areas
of
disagreement
from
a third
party
respected
by
all,
compromise
is
pos-
sible.
The
result
was
the
development
of
two
vision
care
algorithms
and
ongoing
efforts
on
the
development
of
other
algorithms.
Referral Types
